Mr. Speaker, my question is in relation to a program that the Liberal Party has talked about a great deal. That is the EI premium exemption, which would apply for every new hire for employers. It was exceptionally well received by different stakeholders who have given it credit. It has the potential of creating literally tens of thousands of jobs.
If we compare that to the government's plan, which is the small business job credit plan, it is questionable in terms of the number of jobs it would create. It is very expensive, and a number are suggesting that it would, in some bizarre, twisted way, actually provide an incentive to lay off some people who are in marginal types of positions.
Could the member explain to the House why the government is not recognizing the valuable idea that has been put forward by the Liberal Party, which would actually create literally thousands of jobs for every region of our country?